I awoke to very rainy skies in Florida. The last few days have been on and off rain and storms. While I felt bad for all of the vacationers who were getting a rainy week at the beach, I somewhat enjoyed the storms for their beauty and how much they cooled things off.
The rain and storms also kind of matched how I was feeling on the inside. I was scheduled to fly back to Charlotte this afternoon and I was in tears most of the morning over leaving my family.
While Finn took his morning nap, I felt an urge to go for a nice, therapeutic rainy run. There is something about running in the rain that I just love so much. I laced up my shoes and headed out sans music. I just wanted quiet and the rain. Related, I am still loving these Under Armour shoes for walking, running and general day-to-day wear. They are so comfortable!
I ran 3.1 miles at an 8:10 pace. It was my fastest postpartum run. Those flat Florida roads certainly help but I’m also finding that I’m feeling stronger with every run.
I always want my phone close if Finn isn’t with me so I put it in a ziploc bag and held it while I ran. Kept it dry! 🙂
When I arrived back from my run, I showered, packed and ate. I soaked up the last of my time with my grandmother with a huge lump in my throat. On a lighter note, how ridiculous does Finn look with that big bib on? I was trying to make sure he didn’t spit up all over his travel outfit…haha.
I was nervous that travel would be a mess due to the weather but it wasn’t bad at all. Everything was super on time and we even got our own row again. Finn slept most of the flight and then I fed him at the very end.
We Ubered home in stop and go rush hour traffic, which was not fun. I got really car sick and felt so bad because my driver was so kind and chatty. I was just sitting there with my eyes closed trying not to lose it.
Once we got home I poured myself a ginger ale immediately and then pulled some food out of the freezer to heat up for dinner. After ginger ale, a hot shower and some dinner I was feeling better. I had to keep my ice cream streak going after dinner. One of my yoga students sent me an ice cream delivery before I left for Florida from her favorite ice cream shop. I couldn’t wait to give it a try! Tonight I had chocolate milk and cookies and an oatmeal lace flavor. The verdict is that they were awesome. I have two more pints of different flavors in my freezer that I can’t wait to dig into!
I also need to send ice cream as a gift ASAP!
I am missing my family so, so much already tonight. Finding comfort in being reunited with my girls and cuddling my boy extra tight.
Do you like running in the rain?
What’s the best food gift delivery you’ve ever received?
Hi Jen, just curious, are you thinking about moving to Florida at all? I just want you to get to be near your family. Glad you had a smooth trip home, minus the car sickness. Take care of yourself!
Came here to say the same thing! I hope you give it some thought you seem at peace there <3
I was just about to comment this as well. Moving is always a big life decision, but sounds like it could really help you 🙂
Me too. I know how much I love having my family around. It’s hard being away but it’s a big decision.
I was thinking the same thing!
SO glad you were able to have much needed time and support from your family. I can totally see where it would be devastating to leave them to return back to Charlotte. I hope this time away will help you to put a plan together for your future and Finn’s.
Oh my gosh! Your girls must have missed you so much!! Their sweet faces and their eyes brought tears to mine ❤️
Thank you Michelle. It was a much needed visit and very good for the soul. I am working very hard to set some good things in motion that will hopefully prepare Finn and I for happiness and ease in future. The process of getting there is just tough. And yes, we are so happy to be reunited with the pups.
I used to like to run in the rain so I can totally understand xoxoxox
I always enjoyed when my mom would send me care packages even though I was gone from her home for many many years. Easter would bring Cadbury mini eggs and poppyseed cake!
Love running or walking in the rain. We actually have had thunderstorms and pouring down rain for the past two weeks in Virginia.
Hang in there Jen, praying for you. <3
How sweet of your mom!!! Thank you for the prayers. I am so grateful for them.
Running in the warm rain is my all-time favorite kind of run. It’s cathartic to me in some way.
I hope your sweet pups can provide some extra love for you. I wish lots of peace for you.
I so agree about the warm rain runs. <3 And thank you for the good wishes.
Just wanted to comment and say there are lots of readers out here rooting for you! I know it’s a tough time for you- sending lots of good vibes and thoughts.
Thank you and I am SO grateful for all of the support. Truly.
hang in there, Jen! so glad you have such great support from your family, even if it is usually long distance. take care of yourself.
Thank you Allison!
I know you can’t comment, but I hope all will support that what is best for Finn at this point is happiness, security and support for his primary caregiver. Sending you hugs!
Thank you for understanding Kristin. I appreciate the love!
I’ve been a long time reader and I appreciate that you always keep it real. I can’t imagine what you’re going through but you are strong and courageous and Finn is so lucky to have such a loving momma and an incredible model of strength. Hang in there, it does get better and time heals everything.
Lisa – thank you so much for the comment and for the words of support. I do know that we will emerge on the other side of this stronger and happier…the process of getting there is just not a lot of fun.
I’m sorry you had to leave your family. I know that must’ve been hard for you. Enjoy your time with your pups and your boy, and I hope you’re feeling better soon <3
Thank you so very much Rachel.
I know Jen, family is everything and it’s so darn hard doing it all alone. Your doing a good job bc Finn looks happy and healthy! Your girls really missed you too and they know you are hurting just from looking at their eyes. Things will get better and yes I think you would be happier being closer to your family. The hardest for me was the holidays! I moved back to my home town by my family and never moved again. I’m keeping you and Finn in my thoughts and prayers.
I can’t thank you enough for the extremely encouraging words of support and the prayers. We need them and are so appreciative of them.
Thinking of you, Jen. ?
Thank you so much Linsie.
I hope you get to go back soon!! <3
ME TOO!
Rooting for you, Jen. I agree, if there was anyway you could move to FL, especially with a newborn, to be around family would be priceless. You have a strong network of friends that are family in Charlotte it seems, and thank goodness for that, you also have a family of readers who are praying and cheering you on, but family is so nice. And yes moving your career to Florida when you have spent and invested so much time growing relationships in Charlotte would be hard, but nothing to fear b/c people are drawn to YOU. And being homesick is the worst. You are so so so strong, and you can do anything, staying in Charlotte or going to Florida. You can do it! Praying for you.